Attractions and Places To See in Staverden - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Staverden center around the Landgoed Staverden, known for its historical landmarks and natural environment. This region, often referred to as the smallest city in the Netherlands, is situated on the Veluwe, offering a varied landscape of ancient forests, winding streams, and heathlands. The estate functions as a self-sufficient entity, encompassing a castle, gardens, and various historical buildings. Staverden provides opportunities to explore both cultural heritage and diverse natural features.
Best attractions and places to see in Staverden
- The most popular attractions is Staverden Castle, a castle that stands on historical foundations, with its current building dating from 1905. The surrounding park and gardens are accessible, featuring two giant sequoia trees and a brasserie.
- Another must-see spot is Oude Zwolseweg (Veluwe), a cycle way that leads through the forests around Ermelo. This quiet road offers cycling opportunities in various seasons.
- Visitors also love Reformed Chapel Staverden, a religious building constructed in 1875. This neo-Gothic hall church replaced an earlier wooden structure and retains a sober, nostalgic appearance.
- Staverden is known for its castles, historical sites, and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore a range of attractions, from historical estates to cycling paths through forests and heathlands.
- The attractions in Staverden are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1300 upvotes and over 490 photos shared across 26 highlights.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Staverden Castle
Highlight • Castle
The estate and castle have a long history. The counts of Gelderland (later dukes) probably had a court in Staverden as early as the 12th century. In 1299 Count Reinald I obtained city rights from the Emperor. But it never came to a real urban development.
It was probably never the intention that Staverden became a real city. This is apparent from the wording of the granting of the city rights. A research report into the cultural history of Staverden states that the rights granted to Staverden differ greatly from the city rights granted to Gelderland cities at the time. It is stipulated that, in addition to the 'free people', serfs and ministerials or servants may also live there. It can be concluded that we should not regard medieval Staverden as a regular city (to be founded), but as an agricultural settlement with certain legal characteristics of a city. The confirmation of the rights is probably related to the fact that the Count of Gelre is busy increasing his influence on the Veluwe at that time.
Early times
The six preserved burial mounds on the west and east edges of the stream valley show that people were already present in the Staverden area around 4000 years ago. The valley and its surroundings are continuously adapted to the needs of the residents. The stream was used to power water mills. In the stream valley, loam was extracted to bake bricks. Farms were built with fields and large plots of coppice.
Nineteenth and twentieth centuries
From the 19th century, Staverden developed rapidly. Land was reclaimed, roads were constructed or improved and two new farms were built. The aim of the owners was to make Staverden self-sufficient again as a modern agricultural and forestry company, as the estate had functioned for centuries.
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Staverden Castle
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Reformed Chapel Staverden
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Staverden Estate Visitor Centre
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Oude Zwolseweg (Veluwe)
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Tips from the Community
Beautiful castle garden.
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Have an ice cream at IJstijd in Garderen!
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Very beautiful castle garden, now everything was not yet in bloom and now it was already beautiful
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This quiet road takes you through the beautiful forests around Ermelo. It is fantastic cycling here in every season.
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The castle has changed its appearance in many ways over the centuries. The current building dates from 1905 and was built by Herman Theodore s'Jacob, the scion of a noble family. His father Frederik Bernhard was mayor of Rotterdam and his grandfather was governor of the Dutch East Indies. The architecture goes back to older styles, but the interior still contains features of the Art Nouveau style that was popular at the time. The rest of the estate is still largely intact and the castle garden has also been restored with honor.
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This church building was built in 1875 as a successor to a wooden predecessor from 1866. Staverden Chapel is a simple, neo-Gothic hall church with a low tower and a wooden belfry. The history of the chapel goes back more than 150 years, to the 19th century. The current church building was built in 1875 as a successor to a wooden predecessor from 1866.
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Staverden chapel. With its white-painted walls, printed barrel vault, red tiles and stained glass windows, it is a surprising appearance in the middle of this wooded area. In addition to the weekly church services, the chapel is also used as a wedding location. As a foundation, the Staverden Church is part of the Reformed Church in Ermelo in the Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN). The chapel is used every Sunday for church services by the local community the Chapel of Reformed Ermelo. These services take place at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. In the months of July and August at 9:30 am. During the summer months there are also trekking services in the forest next to the chapel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore on the Staverden Estate?
The Staverden Estate is rich in natural beauty, situated on the Veluwe. You can explore ancient forests, stately avenues, winding streams like the Staverdense Beek, meadows, and heathlands. The Castle Gardens are beautifully restored and feature diverse flora, including two giant sequoia trees. The estate is also known for its unique white peacocks.
What historical sites are there to visit in Staverden?
Staverden offers a blend of historical landmarks. The heart of the region is the expansive Landgoed Staverden, which includes Staverden Castle, a coach house, orangery, and a church. You can also visit the Reformed Chapel Staverden, a neo-Gothic hall church built in 1875. On the western edge of the estate, you'll find six preserved ancient burial mounds, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Are there good hiking trails around Staverden?
Yes, Staverden is an excellent starting point for various walking routes. You can find easy hikes such as the 'Staverden Watermill – Staverden Castle loop' (3 km) or the 'Start of the Speuldepad Trail – White Peacocks at Staverden loop' (3.7 km). For more options, explore the Easy hikes in Staverden guide.
Can I go cycling in Staverden?
Absolutely! Staverden is ideal for cycling. The Oude Zwolseweg (Veluwe) is a quiet cycle way that leads through the beautiful forests around Ermelo, offering fantastic cycling in every season. You can also find various routes, including the 'Speulderbos Cycle Path – View of the Speulderveld heath loop' (24 km). Discover more routes in the Cycling in Staverden guide.
Are there family-friendly activities in Staverden?
Staverden offers several family-friendly options. Children will enjoy spotting the distinctive white peacocks that roam the estate. The expansive park and gardens around Staverden Castle are perfect for leisurely strolls, and the easy walking and cycling routes are suitable for families to explore the natural surroundings together.
What is the history behind Staverden Castle?
Staverden Castle stands on historical foundations, with its current building dating from 1905. While the architecture harks back to older styles, the interior contains elements of the Art Nouveau style popular at the time. The estate itself has a long history, with counts of Gelderland having a court here as early as the 12th century, and city rights granted in 1299, though it never developed into a typical city.
Is there a brewery on the Staverden Estate?
Yes, the Stadsbrouwerij Staverden (City Brewery Staverden) is housed in the former Koetshuis (Coach House) of the estate. They offer tours and tastings of their various beers, providing a unique cultural experience.
Where can I spot wildlife in Staverden?
The Staverden Estate is a botanical paradise with rich biodiversity. Beyond the famous white peacocks, the area is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red deer, wild boars, pine martens, and badgers. Various bird species can be observed, and bats hibernate in the ice cellar behind the castle. The estate also boasts over forty rare and endangered plant species.
Are there dining options available at Staverden Castle?
Yes, Brasserie Staverden is located within the beautiful castle gardens. It offers a charming dining experience with a large terrace, its own vegetable garden, and a greenhouse, making it a wonderful place to enjoy a meal or coffee.
What do visitors enjoy most about Staverden?
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful small castle and its surrounding nature, highlighting the perfect cycling roads through the forest. Many enjoy the beautifully landscaped park for walks and the opportunity to relax at the brasserie. The estate's long history and the unique sight of the white peacocks are also highly appreciated.
What is the significance of the white peacocks at Staverden?
White peacocks are a distinctive feature of Staverden, having roamed the estate since 1400. Historically, their feathers were used to adorn the Duke of Guelders' tournament helmet, making them a unique and historically significant sight on the estate.
Is Staverden Castle publicly accessible?
While the castle building itself is not always publicly accessible, the surrounding park and beautifully restored gardens are open for visitors to explore. The brasserie within the gardens is also accessible for dining.
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